FOCAS receives Pit Bull Rescue Central grant

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By Staff reports

Sault Ste. Marie Evening News - Sault Ste. Marie, MI

By Staff reports

Posted Jan. 27, 2013 at 12:45 PM

By Staff reports
Posted Jan. 27, 2013 at 12:45 PM

Sault Ste. Marie

To help address pet over- population in Chippewa County, the Pit Bull Rescue Central Organization (PBRC) has awarded Chippewa County’s Friends of Caring Animal Shelters (FOCAS) a one-year grant for $4,250 specifically for the spay and neuter of pit bull type dogs and mixes.

This grant will help to reduce the number of homeless pit bulls and mixes and ultimately help to relieve suffering of and to prevent cruelty to dogs identified as pit bulls and mixes.

FOCAS is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization which has been in existence since 1998. Its goal is to assist individuals and animal shelters in Chippewa County who care for the numerous abandoned and homeless animals in their charge and to help prevent pet over-population by promoting spaying and neutering.

FOCAS works to address the cost barrier of pet sterilization by providing reduced cost spay/neuter vouchers to lower income county residents who may not have the financial means to sterilize their pets. FOCAS relies solely on local fundraising, donations, and grants.

According to PBRC, “pit bull” is not a breed, but rather is a generic term often used to describe all dogs with similar traits and characteristics known to the public as “pit bulls.” When using the term “pit bull,” it should be understood to encompass American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and mixes of those breeds.

“Pit bulls and mixes make wonderful and loyal family companions. Like all other dogs, they require intelligent, responsible and dedicated care. No matter what kind of dog you have, understanding their needs is the first step toward being a good dog guardian” said Don Brunner, FOCAS President. “Adopting a pit bull, providing love and training so he can be a breed ambassador, are the most important things any of us can do to combat people who still want to use these dogs for their own cruel purposes.”

FOCAS hopes this grant will encourage people to responsibly spay or neuter their pets in order to reduce pet over-population. Unsterilized pets often result in unwanted litters that could end up abandoned, neglected, or abused.

If you, or someone that you know, has an unsterilized pit bull type dog or mix please contact the Chippewa County Animal Shelter for an application (income guidelines apply). Those that qualify will receive a voucher for a free sterilization of their pit bull dog.